If there is one thing we must acknowledge about the Raspberry Pi, it is its ability to “recycle homes”. Basically anything with enough volume can become a compatible case for the mini computer, and now that the Raspberry Pi Zero is making waves, some enthusiasts take their projects to the limit. Today we have in our hands nothing less than “Pi Cart”, a Raspberry Pi Zero inside an NES cartridge, with its own USB hub and full-size HDMI output.
Tempted to buy a case for your Raspberry Pi? What if I told you that recycling or improvising one is as entertaining as preparing and configuring the computer? First, you have the added challenge of adapting the case to the Pi (or vice versa, assuming you are willing to remove connectors with a soldering iron), and second, it is more economical. How many things in our home could serve as a Raspberry Pi case and we don't imagine it? Perhaps a damaged console, or why not a keyboard? The best part is that there is no single correct answer. It all depends on the time the user decides to invest, and the components they have at hand.
In the case of “Zack”, who already has several Raspberry Pi related projects, what he did was install a Raspberry Pi Zero inside an NES cartridge. The old cases for Nintendo games are almost indestructible, courtesy of a very resistant plastic, and the security screws (which require a special tool, or improvise a little). The “donor” was none other than Back to the Future, a movie saga we love without a doubt... that had a truly dreadful NES game. Receiving a Raspberry Pi Zero and a USB hub is a much nobler fate for that cartridge than “protecting” the original game. Maybe in 20 or 30 years it will be worth a fortune... but not now.
The USB hub is only there to connect two gamepads at the same time, but if you are going to do this as a personal use project, you can replace it with a simple adapter. Something that is definitely recommended is converting the mini-HDMI output to full size, which translates into greater robustness when connecting and disconnecting the cartridge. Needless to say, the use of an NES cartridge is not mandatory. Although they have a lot of space inside, in theory it is possible to resort to a more recent option, say a Mega Drive cartridge. Don't hesitate to try it!
